Stefano Brizzi

Background

About Stefano Brizzi

I have completed a Master degree in molecular biology at KU Leuven and graduated with distinction. Prior to this Master I worked as a science and regulatory affairs analyst at CropLife Canada and as a research assistant and intern at Bioveristy International in Rome. I have gained experience and skills as a biologist, having worked in scientific research, and having been exposed to the broader debate on biological and chemical industry standards, regulations and advocacy for the last couple of years. During my Bachelor and Master degree, I gained knowledge in evolutionary concepts, molecular genetics, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physiology and the environment. The Master of biology program has enabled me to enhance my knowledge of biological and chemical processes at different organizational levels. During my two years at KU Leuven, I performed one Bachelor thesis and one Master thesis, which enabled me to conduct my own experiments in the university’s molecular plant biology labs to collect data and to prove/disprove my theories on a research topic. I attained a level of high distinction for my Master thesis. Whilst working at CropLife Canada, I learned how the regulatory system in Canada, United States, Europe and Australia work and how the chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry work together to make the approval of new products a safe and quick process. I believe that by studying the regulatory process of past products and by studying the current advancement of the regulatory process in different countries, we can help pave the way forward for future products and technologies to be safe and quickly available to the public. Working at Bioversity International (one of the CGIAR centers) was very influential since it gave me exposure to the trade-offs between research and development as well as between science policies and operational applications in conservation and agriculture projects.